What Say I?
There are course requirements specific to my section of Media Writing. I have outlined them below.
Course Requirements
To accomplish the goals laid out for this course, you must demonstrate proficiency in and completion of the following tasks.
Weekly Quizzes: You will take a quiz every Monday during the semester to test your knowledge of assigned readings, grammar, AP style and current events.
Reading Assignments: This course is writing and reading intensive. Because we cover a lot of ground in Media Writing, you will be required to read an abundance of material. That means reading the entire text book, a grammar book, the AP Style Book, newspapers and other outside pieces, as assigned. All readings should be completed before you come to class. Be prepared to absorb a great deal of information, all of it enriching and foundational. It will be important to you as you continue advancing in this field. You will be tested on your readings through the weekly quizzes and the final examination. So don’t think once you finish a quiz on a text book chapter you’ll never see the material again. It will show up on the final. Be prepared.
Writing Assignments: Media writing accurately implies that you will learn how to write across multiple media platforms. In this class, you will learn how to compose basic print, broadcast, online and PR pieces. The only way for you to become competent in all these forms is to write, write, write. You will be expected to complete a number of writing assignments both in and outside of class. All writing assignments MUST be typed and double-spaced, unless otherwise indicated. Deadlines are firm and final. You are preparing for a career in which late work could cost you your job. In this course, late work will cost you your grade. Late work will not be accepted. Anything that comes in past deadline receives a zero.
Final Portfolio: Heed my copy editing suggestions. I will line edit your work, correcting for grammar, style, clarity, etc. You are required at the end of the semester to resubmit your class writings to me in a NEW 1- to 2-inch binder. This will serve as a professional product that you can show to potential internship coordinators and media professionals when you apply for summer positions. So make it look superior: Put all stories in clear plastic pages. The portfolio is not simply a busy work add-on to this course. It is a vital component because it provides you with a product to display to employers. It will help you land an internship if you put in the proper work to edit your material. The portfolio is worth 10 percent of your grade. Update it throughout the semester.
Final Exam: The exam will consist of AP/grammar questions, true/false, multiple choice, short essay and comprehensive writing components. It will test you on what you learned throughout the ENTIRE semester. We will take time during the last class session before the final to review.
Homework: Obviously, your reading assignments are homework. But occasionally, I will ask you to do work in addition to the readings. You are expected to complete the homework and turn it in the next class. These are short, but important, assignments.
Participation: I expect you to participate in classroom activities. Many times students provide unique insights into class material that have lasting impressions on the other students taking the course. While this is not a seminar, there will still be opportunities to engage in class discussions, and I will expect you to participate actively. Participation and homework combine to form 10 percent of your final grade.